Ian Fleming, the 'Birth' of James Bond and the Battle for Dieppe

For decades, the Raid on Dieppe was considered to be nothing but a general rehearsal for the real thing to come in Normandy. But was that really the only objective to off-set the immense loss of lives? Join us and explore the possibility of the Dieppe raid being a cover for a “pinch” by the Commando’s to steal the German Enigma code machine. Find out about Ian Fleming’s involvement, from the Whitehall offices where he encountered the real life 'characters' that inspired the James Bond stories to the double agents from the XX-Committee that would provide him with the 00-moniker used in the naval department.

This is a suggested tour itinerary for private departures, adjustable to best suit your specific wishes. Price based on how many travelers, your chosen package inclusions and your chosen level of accommodation.

This tour begins and ends in London.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Day 1

A day in London, exploring what life was like for Londoners during The Blitz - the Home Guard, Allied soldiers on leave, women workers like then Princess Elizabeth in the ambulance corp and the future author Ian Fleming. See some war damage that still exists in the city. Discover real life experiences and some Bond film sites.

A walking tour around Whitehall will introduce you to the Admiralty where Fleming worked as personal assistant to Britain’s head of naval intelligence Admiral John Godfrey, also home of the Bond-embryo and ‘Goldeneye’ connections.

Westminster was the setting for many triumphs for Churchill during his 'Finest Hour,' his 5 years as Prime Minister during WWII. In 1937, a purpose built 'bombproof bunker' was constructed so that in the event of heavy air bombardment, key personnel could continue to run the country - 'The Cabinet War Rooms.' Much has been left ‘as is’ from those war years including the spartan bedroom used by Sir Winston, the map room and Transatlantic Telephone Room with its ‘state of the art’ direct connection to President Roosevelt.

This afternoon, drive through the Kent countryside to our accommodation near Folkestone.

Overnight: Folkestone area, Kent​

Day 2

An early start as we make our way to France via "The Tunnel" - the EuroTunnel train will whisk our vehicle under the English Channel.

Dieppe, 19 August 1942 – Operation Jubilee was an Allied force of 300 ships, 800 aircraft, 5,000 Canadian and 1000 British assault troops that attacked the French port of Dieppe. The official purpose was to make a successful raid on German-occupied Europe over water and then to hold the line. New research suggests the real intent of this historic raid was to steal the German-made Enigma code machine, used for the encryption and decryption of secret messages. If this secret ‘pinch’ mission had been successful, it most probably would have changed the course of the war. During our time in Dieppe, visit troop landing sites, the Canadian cemetery and get in depth into the, until very recently revealed, top secret true history of the raids and the connections to the birth of cold war era espionage.

Today Dieppe is a quaint seaside resort and bustling fishing port town. There are plenty of traditional French restaurants, especially seafood restaurants, around the quayside area so we are sure to have a lovely evening out sampling the local pleasures.

Overnight: Dieppe

Day 3

This morning, some more time uncovering the secrets of Dieppe. Ian Fleming was among the naval intelligence officers behind the secret ‘pinch’ mission. Although not known to the general public at the time, he used his ‘insider knowledge’ of the Enigma machine as fiction in the Bond novels. From Russia With Love (1957) offered the ‘Lektor’ cipher machine as a plot focus and he returned to the topic briefly in You Only Live Twice (1964).

This afternoon, guest choice - return to London via Churchill's home of Chartwell; make the way back across the Channel via EuroTunnel to London.

Alternatively, guests have the opportunity to be dropped at Calais rail station for easy rail connections to your choice of Paris or Lille and onward to Brussels or Amsterdam.

Please note: All attraction opening times are correct at time of printing this website. While we will do our utmost to include all of the properties mentioned as central visits, we reserve the right to change an attraction should it become impossible to deliver a planned visit due to changes in opening days or times beyond our control.

Please note that your final day to day itinerary may fluctuate to accommodate variable opening times/days for listed attractions, special events and places of interest. Please discuss your needs with us for an individual itinerary with rate quote.

Oft imitated, never duplicated! This is an original SGT itinerary, property of Special Group Tours and to be used only with express permission/in conjunction with SGT.

What Your Tour Package Includes

This is a suggested tour itinerary and can be modified to best you your individual wishes.

Suggested tour package includes: # of touring days with vehicle & exclusive services of your driver/guide/companion, your accommodation for # nights while on the tour including full breakfasts, all taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide. Your price also can include dinners and/or entrance fees to attractions or these items can be left out of the up front package/to be paid directly for maximum flexibility. Airport transfers, accommodation pre and post tour, scheduled city day tours/attraction passes/transport passes or theatre/event tickets can be added to your package as you wish, subject to availability.

The Special Group Tours Advantage is our unique and intimate understanding of what you expect traveling in the UK and Europe. We have not only visited but have spent many years living in and loving the cultures you will experience down the ‘B’ Roads and off the beaten track. We have worked with local suppliers and our guide/companion team for over a decade, creating unique special interest itineraries. Special Group Tours offers our “insider” knowledge to you.

The SGT Small Group Touring Concept is traveling with just 4 - 14 guests per departure. It is our aim to introduce you to the 'real' country and its people, not just ticking the boxes of a standardized route and treating you as an individual and not a number. Our concept allows for a leisurely touring pace and flexibility to get off the beaten track to discover hidden gems. Of course you'll see the major sites but so much more too!

At Special Group Tours, it is our priority that you have the most enjoyable holiday possible. You deserve it!